Stackable Terminal Assembly Using One Bolt Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal coupling structures require multiple steps and different screw lengths based on the number of terminals, leading to increased complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A combination terminal design using a first terminal fixed with a bolt and a second terminal with a cut portion, allowing for locking and assembly without requiring different screw lengths, enabling terminals to be stacked and fixed with a single type of bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different numbers of terminals are stacked using the conventional structure, then the number of terminals can be changed, but different screw lengths are required and the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt head is designed to universally fit within the through-hole of any terminal regardless of its position in the stack. The through-hole in each terminal is sized to accommodate the bolt head, allowing a single bolt type to secure any number of terminals (1-5) without requiring different screw lengths or types.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal stack is segmented into individual terminals that can be independently assembled. Each terminal has a through-hole that allows the bolt to pass through and lock the terminal in place, enabling modular assembly where terminals are added one by one to the stack without requiring complete disassembly and reassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminals is changed in the conventional structure, then terminal configuration can be adjusted, but the number of assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The through-holes are pre-formed in each terminal during manufacturing, and the bolt is designed with a head size that fits within these pre-formed holes. This preliminary preparation allows terminals to be quickly stacked and secured without requiring complex alignment or multiple fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly process is made dynamic and flexible, allowing terminals to be added or removed from the stack without requiring complete disassembly. The bolt can be inserted through the stacked terminals at any point, and the terminal configuration can be adjusted by simply adding or removing terminals from the stack before final tightening.
3Reliability
If different screw lengths are used to accommodate different numbers of terminals, then proper fixation can be achieved, but inventory complexity and selection time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single bolt type with a standardized head size and thread specification is used to secure any number of terminals (1-5) in the stack. The bolt head fits within the through-hole of any terminal, and the thread portion engages with the nut or threaded hole in the bracket, providing reliable fixation regardless of the number of terminals without requiring multiple screw variants.
Data Source
AI summary
Terminals can be fixed by only one type of bolt even if the number of the terminals to be stacked is different. A combination terminal (1) is provided with a first terminal (10B) to be fixed to a fixed member (40) using a bolt (30) and a second terminal (10C) to be assembled with the first terminal (10B). The first terminal (10B) and the second terminal (10C) include locking portions (13) and resilient locking portions (17) for locking the first terminal (10B) and the second terminal (10C) in an assembled state by being locked to each other. The second terminal (10C) includes a through hole (18C), into which a head portion (31) of the bolt (30) enters in the assembled state of the first terminal (10B) and second terminal (10C).